Senator Ned Nwoko has broken silence on the ongoing development regarding the creation of Anioma state. There have been unconfirmed reports as the quest for Anioma state continues to gather momentum at the National Assembly.
In a phone conversation with Senator Nwoko, he revealed that despite unwarranted resistance from some political actors who will be the beneficiaries of the state if created, the proposal has garnered massive support.
Senator Nwoko said the agitation, which many in the region initially dismissed as unrealistic, has now become a prominent national issue.
According to him, doubts expressed early by members of the Delta State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives from the zone did not deter his resolve to pursue the bill as he is determined to see to its realization.
“They kept telling me it wouldn’t work, that it is not possible to create states,” the senator said. “But I remained focused to the point that Anioma State is now a national discussion.”
Senator Nwoko expressed concern over opposition statements from political actors in Delta North rejecting Anioma State’s inclusion in the South East geopolitical zone.
He noted that while critics insist the proposed state should be located in the South South, they have not taken concrete legislative steps to pursue that option.
“If they want Anioma in the South South, why have they not initiated any bill to that effect?” he asked. “You don’t just make statements without action. If you believe in an alternative, you must lead the process.”
He argued that the lack of a formal legislative effort by opponents, especially members of the House of Representatives from Delta North, undermines their position and stalls a cause rooted in long-standing historical aspirations of the Anioma people.
Providing an update on the legislative process, Nwoko disclosed that Anioma State has recorded strong support during voting within the South East caucus of the National Assembly.
He said that during an initial round of voting, several South East states backed Anioma, placing it ahead of other proposed states.
A second round of voting further strengthened Anioma’s standing. According to him, sustained lobbying over the past two weeks has resulted in a majority of senators signing in support of the bill.
“On the first day of voting, Ebonyi voted for Anioma state. Abia state voted for Anioma state. Imo state voted for Anim state. Anambra state voted for Anim state. Enugu voted for Adada. That was the first voting.
“After that, they were given one more chance each to choose another state. Ebonyi chose Anim as second choice. Abia chose Anim as second choice. Imo chose Anioma as second choice.
“Anambra chose Adada as second choice. Enugu chose Animoma as second choice. That was how we ended that day.
“But now what we have done is we have gotten majority of the senators. That first night, they resolved that they would vote individually. But without dismissing the first block vote. So, Anim first, Anioma second, Adada third. Along the line, Aba state dropped, Etiti state dropped, and Orlu state dropped.
“But, with our continuous engagement for the past two weeks, we were able to get most of the lawmakers to sign for Anioma. So, we have the majority.
He accused two members of the House of Representatives from Delta North of working against the voting process. He said beside stalling the voting process, one of them reportedly voted for Adada state.
Responding to allegations that stakeholders were not adequately consulted, the senator insisted that extensive engagements were held before and during the legislative process.
He cited meetings with traditional rulers, cultural groups, and community organisations across Anioma land, as well as consultations with Anioma groups in Abuja.
He said: “We had a summit in Grand Hotel in August last year. I’ve met with the kings in Owa, Obior, Okpanam, Asaba, Ndokwa east and west. I met with Ndokwa Neku in Ukwuani. I met with Onu Ika in Ika. I met with various groups in Abuja.”
Senator Nwoko also welcomed the growing involvement of young people in the agitation, describing their participation as a positive development that has given new energy to the struggle.
The senator reiterated that his bill clearly proposes Anioma State in the South East, with Asaba as its capital and nine local government areas constituting the state. He downplayed zoning concerns, stressing that the creation of the state itself is the priority.
“Zoning is secondary,” he said. “Once you have a state, you have a state.”
As the National Assembly prepares to resume in January 2026, Nwoko said proponents of Anioma State remain optimistic and realistic about the road ahead.
